Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that packs a punch of flavor? Look no further than this Easy Black Beans and Rice recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a hearty dish that not only delights your taste buds but also nourishes your body. With its roots in Latin American cuisine, this recipe is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and rich flavors. Whether you're a busy professional or a home cook looking to impress, this simple yet delicious meal will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your weeknight dinners—let's dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of water, 1 can (15 oz) of black beans (drained), 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan with the onions and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Once the onions and garlic are cooked, add the rice to the saucepan. Stir the rice into the mixture to coat it with the oil and allow it to toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the water.
- While the rice is cooking, rinse the drained black beans under cold water to remove any excess sodium and preservatives. Set aside.
- Once the rice is done cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- After the resting period, uncover the saucepan and fluff the rice with a fork. Gently fold in the black beans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Serve the black beans and rice warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime if desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy black beans and rice!
Tips
- Rinse the Beans: Always rinse your canned black beans under cold water before adding them to the dish. This helps remove excess sodium and preservatives, giving you a cleaner taste.
- Toasting the Rice: Don’t skip the step of toasting the rice with the onions and garlic. This simple technique enhances the flavor and adds a nice nutty aroma to the dish.
- Fluffing the Rice: After the rice has finished cooking, let it sit covered for an extra 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to steam and become fluffy, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Customization: Feel free to customize your black beans and rice by adding spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick. You can also toss in some chopped bell peppers or corn for added color and nutrition.
- Garnishing: Serve your dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing finish. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful touch to your presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
